Amazon customers report strange messages—and experts say you should take them seriously
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It often starts with something small—a buzz from your phone, a message that looks official, and a familiar name you’ve trusted for years.
The wording feels urgent but polite, the tone seems right, and before you know it, you’re one tap away from trouble.
In a world where nearly every purchase and confirmation lives in your inbox or texts, it’s easier than ever to mistake deception for routine.
Police across several states are warning shoppers about a surge in fake Amazon recall alerts being sent via text message.
These messages claim that a recently purchased item is being recalled “due to quality and safety concerns,” often including an order number and an urgent link to claim a refund.
The North Bergen Police Department in New Jersey shared one example in September, showing a message signed by the so-called “Amazon Safety Team” that instructed recipients to click a suspicious link for a full refund.
Officers said the text was fraudulent and pointed out several red flags, including an international phone number, emotional wording, and a shortened link—all common tactics used to make scams seem legitimate.
Amazon confirmed that it has seen a rise in these fraudulent messages and reminded customers that the company will never ask users to click third-party links for recalls or refunds.
The retail giant advised shoppers to be cautious of any message regarding unfamiliar orders, misspellings, or unexpected refunds.
Also read: Amazon warns Prime customers of rise in scam attempts: What to know and how to stay safe
“Scammers often exploit busy shopping periods by posing as Amazon through fake emails, calls, or SMS messages, claiming there’s an issue with your account or a recent order,” the company said in a public statement.
The goal, Amazon explained, is to push customers into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, or personal data before they have time to think.
Banks and cybersecurity experts are also emphasizing the need for vigilance as online fraud grows more sophisticated.
Chase Bank issued its own reminders, urging consumers never to return unexpected funds, give remote access to their devices, or send money to someone they’ve only met online.
Scammers use fear and urgency to manipulate victims, convincing them to act quickly and privately to “fix” fake problems.
Experts say the best protection is skepticism—if a message feels urgent, take a breath, verify it directly with the company, and never trust a link that arrives uninvited.
Also read: New voice scams are targeting you—here’s how to outsmart them before it’s too late!
The wave of fake recall alerts isn’t limited to one region or demographic; it’s spreading fast as scammers learn how to mimic corporate tone and branding.
Authorities say that even tech-savvy consumers can fall for these schemes, especially during major shopping seasons when real promotions and shipping notices fill inboxes.
Amazon’s safety team is working to identify and block new scam numbers as they appear, but prevention still depends on user awareness. Every suspicious message that goes unclicked is one more scam that fails to work.
Read next:
As more people shop online and rely on instant notifications, these schemes are only becoming harder to spot. Have you ever received a suspicious message claiming to be from Amazon or another retailer? Share your experience below and help others learn how to stay alert—one comment might save someone from becoming the next target.
The wording feels urgent but polite, the tone seems right, and before you know it, you’re one tap away from trouble.
In a world where nearly every purchase and confirmation lives in your inbox or texts, it’s easier than ever to mistake deception for routine.
Police across several states are warning shoppers about a surge in fake Amazon recall alerts being sent via text message.
These messages claim that a recently purchased item is being recalled “due to quality and safety concerns,” often including an order number and an urgent link to claim a refund.
The North Bergen Police Department in New Jersey shared one example in September, showing a message signed by the so-called “Amazon Safety Team” that instructed recipients to click a suspicious link for a full refund.
Amazon customers report strange messages—and experts say you should take them seriously. Image source: Marques Thomas / Unsplash
Officers said the text was fraudulent and pointed out several red flags, including an international phone number, emotional wording, and a shortened link—all common tactics used to make scams seem legitimate.
Amazon confirmed that it has seen a rise in these fraudulent messages and reminded customers that the company will never ask users to click third-party links for recalls or refunds.
The retail giant advised shoppers to be cautious of any message regarding unfamiliar orders, misspellings, or unexpected refunds.
Also read: Amazon warns Prime customers of rise in scam attempts: What to know and how to stay safe
“Scammers often exploit busy shopping periods by posing as Amazon through fake emails, calls, or SMS messages, claiming there’s an issue with your account or a recent order,” the company said in a public statement.
The goal, Amazon explained, is to push customers into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, or personal data before they have time to think.
Banks and cybersecurity experts are also emphasizing the need for vigilance as online fraud grows more sophisticated.
Chase Bank issued its own reminders, urging consumers never to return unexpected funds, give remote access to their devices, or send money to someone they’ve only met online.
Scammers use fear and urgency to manipulate victims, convincing them to act quickly and privately to “fix” fake problems.
Experts say the best protection is skepticism—if a message feels urgent, take a breath, verify it directly with the company, and never trust a link that arrives uninvited.
Also read: New voice scams are targeting you—here’s how to outsmart them before it’s too late!
The wave of fake recall alerts isn’t limited to one region or demographic; it’s spreading fast as scammers learn how to mimic corporate tone and branding.
Authorities say that even tech-savvy consumers can fall for these schemes, especially during major shopping seasons when real promotions and shipping notices fill inboxes.
Amazon’s safety team is working to identify and block new scam numbers as they appear, but prevention still depends on user awareness. Every suspicious message that goes unclicked is one more scam that fails to work.
Read next:
- Got a text about an Amazon refund? Don’t click—it’s a scam
- Before you give: Holiday charity scams are targeting generous retirees
